JP4807849B2 - Operation switch - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to the technical field of operation switches such as a jog dial.

  In recent years, in an information recording / reproducing apparatus that records or reproduces information such as content on a recording medium such as a CD, DVD, or HDD, for example, content selection by button operation, adjustment of reproduction volume, frame advance For example, an operation switch such as a jog dial is widely used.

  For such an operation switch, if a leaf spring is placed on the lower side of the shaft fixed to the operation portion of the operation switch and the operation portion is pressed downward or released, the tip of the leaf spring is A technique has been devised in which various detection elements are turned on and off.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a technique related to a mechanism for enlarging a transition.

JP2001-22445

  However, in the above-described technique, for example, the amount of movement of the operation unit to which a pressing such as pressing down is applied from the outside of a person or the like is at a relatively small level, whereas the detection stroke amount in the detection means is a mechanical characteristic. It is far from the requirement that a relatively large level is required corresponding to various physical characteristics such as. Therefore, in the above-described technique, a technical problem that improvement in operation feeling cannot be realized occurs.

  Alternatively, in the above-described technique, when the operation switch is turned upside down with respect to gravity, the detected stroke amount changes, and a technical problem that improvement of the operation feeling cannot be realized occurs.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems. For example, in an operation switch such as a jog dial, it is possible to appropriately adjust the movement of the operation unit along the pressing direction to improve the operational feeling. It is an object to provide a possible operation switch.

In order to solve the above-described problem, the operation switch according to claim 1 is based on a change in a relative positional relationship between the operation unit and the pedestal unit due to a pressure on the operation unit from the outside. An operation switch for detecting the presence or absence of the pressing, based on the first elastic body (lifting prevention spring) that applies a biasing force in a direction in which the operation unit and the pedestal unit are brought closer, and movement of the operation unit, (I) having a fulcrum part at a fulcrum that contacts the pedestal part, and (ii-1) the fulcrum and (ii-2) the operation part. (Iii) a lever portion that can move the action portion with the fulcrum portion as a fulcrum; and the detection means corresponds to the movement of the operation portion. The presence or absence of the press is detected based on the movement of the action part That.

  The operation and other advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the embodiments described below.

  Hereinafter, an operation switch according to an embodiment of the present invention as the best mode for carrying out the invention will be described.

(Embodiment of operation switch)
Hereinafter, an operation switch according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  The embodiment according to the operation switch of the present invention detects the presence or absence of the press based on a change in the relative positional relationship between the operation unit and the pedestal unit due to a press on the operation unit from the outside. An operation switch that detects the presence or absence of the pressure based on a first elastic body (a float prevention spring) that applies a biasing force in a direction in which the operation unit and the pedestal unit are brought closer to each other, and movement of the operation unit. Detecting means.

  According to the embodiment of the operation switch of the present invention, the operation switch includes (a) an operation unit to which a pressure is applied from the outside, such as being pushed down by a person, and (b) to be engaged with the operation unit, for example. And pedestal parts connected to each other, and (c) detecting means. And the urging | biasing force is given to the direction which brings an operation part and a base part close based on a 1st elastic body (floating prevention spring). In other words, the operation unit and the pedestal unit are pulling each other. Therefore, if the operation unit applied with the biasing force in the approaching direction and the pedestal unit are arranged in any direction against gravity, for example, they are both arranged upside down, the operation unit is not pressed. There is little or no separation between the part and the pedestal part. In other words, the relative positional relationship between the operation part and the pedestal part hardly or completely changes due to other than pressing. As a result, a detection amount (so-called detection) for detecting the presence or absence of the pressure in the detection means when the presence or absence of the pressure is detected based on the movement of the operation portion due to the pressure on the operation portion from the outside. It is possible to eliminate the change in the stroke amount) almost or completely.

  Specifically, for example, when an operation switch in which the axis of the rotatable operation unit is movable in the axial direction with respect to the pedestal unit is considered, the detection means of the operation switch detects the movement of the axis of the operation unit. It has an optical element that reacts synchronously. Therefore, the operation switch can make the detection amount (so-called detection stroke amount) for the reaction of the optical element substantially constant without being influenced by the direction of gravity with respect to the operation switch.

  In one aspect of the embodiment of the operation switch according to the present invention, the pedestal portion has a reference surface that serves as a reference in the movement of the operation portion, and the operation portion is arranged along the direction of the pressing along the reference direction. A first operating portion on the upstream side of the surface, and a second operating portion on the downstream side of the reference surface with respect to the direction of pressing, wherein the first elastic body includes the reference surface, the first It arrange | positions between 2 operation parts.

  According to this aspect, on the basis of the first elastic body (floating prevention spring) disposed between the reference surface and the second operation portion, the biasing force is further increased in the direction in which the operation portion and the pedestal portion are brought closer to each other. It can be applied accurately and appropriately. In other words, the operation unit and the pedestal unit can be more appropriately pulled together.

In another aspect of the embodiment of the operation switch of the present invention, (i) the fulcrum is in contact with the pedestal, and (ii-1) the fulcrum and (ii-2) the operation unit (Iii) further comprising a lever portion that can move the action portion with the fulcrum portion as a fulcrum.
The detection means detects the presence or absence of the press based on the movement of the action part corresponding to the movement of the operation part.

  According to this aspect, the operation switch includes (a) an operation unit that is pressed from the outside, for example, pushed down by a person, and (b) a pedestal unit that is connected to the operation unit by engaging, for example, And (c) a lever portion and (d) a detecting means. The lever portion has a fulcrum portion at a fulcrum that makes contact with the pedestal portion, and the action portion at an action point corresponding to (ii-1) the fulcrum and (ii-2) a force point that makes contact with the operation portion. (Iii) The action part can be moved with the fulcrum part as a fulcrum. A detection means detects the presence or absence of a press based on the movement amount of an action part.

  Therefore, the movement amount in the action part and the action force in the action part can be set to predetermined appropriate values. Specifically, using the so-called lever principle, the distance between the fulcrum and the force point in the lever portion (hereinafter referred to as “force point distance” as appropriate) and the distance between the fulcrum and the action point (hereinafter referred to as appropriate). The ratio of the amount of movement at the force point and the amount of movement at the point of action can be determined on the basis of the “action point distance”. Alternatively, the ratio between the pressing force at the force point and the acting force at the action point can be determined based on the force point distance and the action point distance.

  More specifically, when the action point distance is longer than the power point distance, the movement amount at the action point can be made longer than the movement amount at the power point. Specifically, for example, when an operation switch in which the shaft included in the rotatable operation unit is movable in the axial direction with respect to the pedestal portion is considered, the detection means of the operation switch It has an optical element that reacts in synchronization with movement. Therefore, this operation switch can detect the movement of the shaft at a distance shorter than the detection amount (so-called detection stroke amount) for the reaction of the optical element. On the other hand, when the action point distance is shorter than the power point distance, the movement amount at the action point can be made shorter than the movement amount at the force point.

  Alternatively, when the action point distance is longer than the power point distance, the action force at the action point can be made smaller than the pressing force at the force point. On the other hand, when the action point distance is shorter than the power point distance, the action force at the action point can be made larger than the pressing force at the force point.

  If there is no lever part and the lever principle cannot be used, the presence or absence of pressing is detected based on the amount of movement of the operating part, which is directly attributable to the pressing to the operating part from the outside, The scale of the movement amount of the operation unit (so-called scale) and the scale of the detection amount (so-called detection stroke amount) for detecting the presence or absence of pressing by the detection means are associated one-to-one. Therefore, for example, the amount of movement of the operation unit to which a pressing force such as pressing down is applied from the outside of a person or the like is a relatively small level, while the detected stroke amount in the detecting means is various physical characteristics such as mechanical characteristics. Corresponding to the characteristics, it is far from the requirement that a relatively large level is required. Alternatively, the force applied to the detection member of the detection means is, for example, a physical strength such as the strength of the member, while the pressing force in the operation unit to which a press such as a push down is applied from the outside such as a person is relatively large. Corresponding to the characteristics, it is far from the requirement that a relatively small level is required.

  On the other hand, according to the present embodiment, for example, via the fulcrum, the force point, and the action point in the rigid lever portion, in other words, the movement amount in the action portion and the action force in the action portion are set to a predetermined appropriate value. By setting the value, the presence / absence of pressing is detected based on the amount of movement of the action part resulting from the pressing to the operating part from the outside. Therefore, it is possible to associate the scale of the amount of movement of the operation unit with the scale of the detected stroke amount for detecting the presence or absence of pressing by the detection means at an appropriate ratio. Specifically, when the action point distance is about 5 times the force point distance, the movement amount at the force point can be shortened to about 1/5 times the movement amount at the action point. As a result, by utilizing the lever principle in this way, it is possible to significantly reduce the amount of movement of the operation unit along the pressing direction. As a result, as a result, the operation sensitivity, that is, the operation sensitivity in the control of the switch for detecting on / off using the change in the relative positional relationship between the operation unit and the pedestal unit as input information due to the pressing is greatly improved. It is possible to realize more rapid and appropriate switch control by a person. Alternatively, when the action point distance is about 5 times the power point distance, the action force at the action point can be reduced to about 1/5 times the pressing force at the force point.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, for example, since a rigid lever portion is provided, even after the detecting means detects the presence of pressing, the lever portion is almost bent even if it receives further pressing force from the outside. Not completely. As a result, when a pressure is applied from the outside such as being pushed down by a person, for example, it is possible to realize a remarkable improvement in operational feeling that a person feels little or no deflection as a structural property of the switch. it can.

  In another aspect of the embodiment of the operation switch of the present invention, (i) the fulcrum is in contact with the pedestal, and (ii-1) the fulcrum and (ii-2) the operation unit And (iii) a lever part that can move the action part with the fulcrum part as a fulcrum, and the detection means is a light that corresponds to an optical system. The presence or absence of the pressing is detected based on the relative positional relationship between the optical path and the operation unit or the action unit capable of shielding the optical path.

  According to this aspect, based on the optical detection means, the detection means can be used semi-permanently with some aging. In addition, there is little or no frictional sound or contact sound due to contact, or a feeling of friction or contact (so-called click sound or click feeling) when pressed. As a result, when a pressure is applied from the outside such as being pushed down by a person, for example, it is possible to realize a remarkable improvement in operational feeling that a person feels little or no deflection as a structural property of the switch. it can.

  In the aspect according to this detection means, the detection means detects that there is no pressing when the optical path is shielded by the operation part or the action part, and (i) the operation When the optical path is not shielded by the part or the action part, the presence of the pressing may be detected.

  With this configuration, in the operation switch, when the majority of the time when no pressure is present occupies the optical path, the total amount of light received by the light receiving element included in the detection unit can be reduced. is there. As a result, in addition to labor saving in the light receiving element included in the detection means, it is possible to realize efficient use.

  In another aspect of the embodiment of the operation switch of the present invention, (i) the fulcrum is in contact with the pedestal, and (ii-1) the fulcrum and (ii-2) the operation unit And (iii) a lever part that can move the action part with the fulcrum part as a fulcrum, and the detection means is a magnetic field corresponding to a magnetic system. And the presence or absence of the press is detected based on a relative positional relationship with the operation unit or the action unit capable of shielding the magnetic field.

  According to this aspect, the detection means can detect the presence or absence of pressing based on the magnetic field while almost or completely eliminating the influence of ambient light from the periphery of the operation switch. Further, although there is a secular change, the detection means can be used semipermanently.

  In another aspect of the embodiment of the operation switch of the present invention, (i) the fulcrum is in contact with the pedestal, and (ii-1) the fulcrum and (ii-2) the operation unit And (iii) a lever part that can move the action part with the fulcrum part as a fulcrum, and the detecting means is a contact corresponding to a contact method. The presence / absence of the pressing is detected based on the relative positional relationship between the operation portion and the operation portion that can contact the contact portion and the contact portion.

  According to this aspect, it is possible to give a friction sound or a contact sound caused by contact or a feeling of friction or a contact feeling (a so-called click sound or a click feeling) to the outside world such as a person when being pressed. It is. Further, according to this aspect, the detection means can detect the presence or absence of the press while almost or completely eliminating the influence of disturbance light from the periphery of the operation switch based on the contact between the contact portion and the action portion. Is possible. Furthermore, according to this aspect, it is possible to reduce the component cost as compared with the optical detection means.

  In another aspect of the embodiment of the operation switch of the present invention, (i) the fulcrum is in contact with the pedestal, and (ii-1) the fulcrum and (ii-2) the operation unit And (iii) further comprising a lever portion that can move the action portion with the fulcrum portion as a fulcrum, the operation portion or the action portion, and the pedestal. A second elastic body for applying a biasing force to the portion.

  According to this aspect, before the presence or absence of the pressing is detected based on the movement of the operating unit due to the pressing to the operating unit from the outside, the operation unit of the lever unit and the pedestal unit are relative to each other. The positional relationship can be made constant based on the urging force of the second elastic body.

  As a result, the detection amount (so-called detection stroke amount) for detecting the presence or absence of the pressing in the detecting means can be hardly or completely changed before being pressed to the operation unit from the outside. is there.

  As a result, the operation sensitivity, that is, the operation sensitivity in the control of the on-off switch using the change in the relative positional relationship between the operation unit and the pedestal unit due to the press as input information is greatly improved. Thus, it is possible to realize more rapid and appropriate switch control.

  In particular, the amount of movement in the action part and the action force in the action part can be set to predetermined appropriate values. That is, by utilizing the so-called lever principle, based on the distance between the fulcrum in the lever portion and the force point (force point distance) and the distance between the fulcrum and the action point (action point distance), The ratio with the amount of movement at the point of action can be determined. Alternatively, the ratio between the pressing force at the force point and the acting force at the action point can be determined based on the force point distance and the action point distance. As a result, the elastic characteristics such as the elastic coefficient of the second elastic body can be reduced to a level as compared with the case where the lever principle is not used. Note that the second elastic body may be included in the detection means described above. As a result, the number of parts can be reduced.

  In the aspect which concerns on this lever part, you may comprise the said power point so that it may be located between the said fulcrum and the said action point.

  If comprised in this way, it is possible to make action point distance longer than power point distance. Accordingly, it is possible to make the movement amount at the action point longer than the movement amount at the force point. Specifically, for example, when an operation switch in which the axis of the rotatable operation unit is movable in the axial direction with respect to the pedestal unit is considered, the detection means of the operation switch detects the movement of the axis of the operation unit. It has an optical element that reacts synchronously. Therefore, this operation switch can detect the movement of the shaft at a distance shorter than the detection amount (so-called detection stroke amount) for the reaction of the optical element.

  In the aspect which concerns on this lever part, you may comprise the said action point so that it may be located between the said fulcrum and the said power point.

  If comprised in this way, it is possible to make action point distance shorter than power point distance. Therefore, it is possible to make the movement amount at the action point shorter than the movement amount at the force point. Specifically, for example, when an operation switch in which the axis of the rotatable operation unit is movable in the axial direction with respect to the pedestal unit is considered, the detection means of the operation switch detects the movement of the axis of the operation unit. It has an optical element that reacts synchronously. Therefore, the operation switch can detect the movement of the shaft over a distance longer than the detection amount (so-called detection stroke amount) for the reaction of the optical element.

  In this aspect of the lever portion, (i) a power point distance indicating a distance between the power point and the fulcrum, and (ii) an action point distance indicating a distance between the action point and the fulcrum are a predetermined ratio. You may comprise as follows.

  If comprised in this way, based on the predetermined ratio of a power point distance and an action point distance, it is possible to set the moving amount in an action part, and the action force in an action part to a predetermined appropriate value. . And the presence or absence of a press is detected based on the movement amount of the action part resulting from the press to the operation part from the outside. Therefore, the scale of the movement amount of the operation unit and the scale of the detected stroke amount for detecting the presence or absence of pressing by the detecting means can be associated with each other at an appropriate ratio based on the predetermined ratio.

  In the aspect which concerns on this lever part, you may comprise the said base part so that it may have a stopper part which restrict | limits the movement of the said action part.

  If comprised in this way, a base part will have a stopper part which restrict | limits the movement of an action part. As a result, a detection amount (so-called detection) for detecting the presence or absence of the pressure in the detection means when the presence or absence of the pressure is detected based on the movement of the action portion due to the pressure on the operation unit from the outside. It is possible to eliminate the change in the stroke amount) almost or completely.

  In another aspect of the embodiment of the operation switch of the present invention, the operation unit is rotatable about an axis.

  According to this aspect, for example, an operation switch such as a jog shuttle functions as a switch for detecting on and off, and also functions as a level adjusting unit capable of varying various values such as volume. Is possible. In addition, since the number of parts can be reduced by integrally forming the operation portion and the shaft, it is possible to reduce the manufacturing cost.

  In the aspect relating to the lever portion, the operation portion may have a convex portion (axis) in the pressing direction, and the lever portion may be configured to contact the convex portion.

  If constituted in this way, the operation of pressing from the outside to the operation part is quickly and efficiently transmitted to the lever part via the convex part, and as a result, the operation sensitivity is greatly improved, and more by the person. It is possible to realize quick and appropriate switch control.

  In the aspect relating to the lever portion, the lever portion may be configured to be a rigid lever.

  If comprised in this way, since the lever part of a rigid body is provided, even if a detection means detects the presence of a press, even if a lever part receives the further pressing force from the outside, it is almost or completely bent. Not.

  If, for example, a leaf spring is used instead of a rigid lever portion and the lever principle is used, the leaf spring will be deflected by the urging force even after the detection means detects the presence of the pressure. Stroke amount increases and changes. Therefore, when a pressure is applied from the outside such as being pushed down by a person, for example, there is a possibility that a feeling of operation that a person feels little or no deflection as a structural property of the switch may deteriorate. End up.

  On the other hand, according to this aspect, since the rigid lever portion is provided, the lever portion will bend even if the detecting means detects the presence of pressing even if it receives further pressing force from the outside. There is little or no. As a result, when a pressure is applied from the outside such as being pushed down by a person, for example, it is possible to realize a remarkable improvement in operational feeling that a person feels little or no deflection as a structural property of the switch. it can.

  Such an operation and other advantages of the present embodiment will be clarified from examples described below.

  As described above, according to the embodiment of the operation switch of the present invention, based on the change in the relative positional relationship between the operation unit and the pedestal unit due to the pressure on the operation unit from the outside, An operation switch that detects the presence or absence of the first switch and includes a first elastic body and detection means. As a result, a detection amount (so-called detection) for detecting the presence or absence of the pressure in the detection means when the presence or absence of the pressure is detected based on the movement of the operation portion due to the pressure on the operation portion from the outside. It is possible to eliminate the change in the stroke amount) almost or completely.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(1) Optical Operation Switch (1-1) Basic Configuration Next, the basic configuration of the optical operation switch according to the operation switch of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is an overview perspective view (FIG. 1 (a)) and a side view (FIG. 1 (b)) showing a basic configuration of an optical operation switch according to the operation switch of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view (FIG. 2A) including a central axis showing a basic configuration of an optical operation switch according to the operation switch of the present invention, and a lever portion included in the optical operation switch, FIG. 2 is an overview perspective view (FIG. 2B) centering on the optical detection element. FIG. 3 is a side view showing a basic configuration of an optical operation switch according to the operation switch of the present invention.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the optical operation switch 1 according to the present embodiment includes (i) an operation unit 10 that is pressed from the outside, such as being pushed down by a person, and (ii) this operation. The pedestal 20 is connected to the unit 10 by, for example, engaging it, (iii) the lever 30, and (iv) the optical detection element 40.

  As shown in FIG. 1A, for example, the disk-like operation unit 10 can rotate on the pedestal unit 20 and can move in the vertical direction with respect to the pedestal unit 20. The operation unit 10 is provided with a jog dial 11.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, the center of the operation switch 1 has a bearing 21 formed along the pressing direction. The bearing 21 is fixed to a jog holder 22 provided in the pedestal portion 20. The shaft 12 of the operation unit 10 is inserted into the bearing 21, and the operation unit 10 rotates together with the shaft 12 on the pedestal unit 20. Further, the shaft 12 of the operation unit 10 can move in the vertical direction with respect to the pedestal unit 20, and a lever unit 30 disposed below the shaft 12 supports the operation unit 10 and the shaft 12. ing. As shown in FIG. 2B, a light shielding rib described later is provided in the vicinity of the tip of the lever portion 30, and can be disposed to face the optical detection element 40. The light shielding rib transmits in front of the optical detection element 40 or shields the optical detection element 40, so that the operation unit 10 and the pedestal unit 20 are relatively moved due to the pressing. It is possible to control a switch for detecting on / off using a change in positional relationship as input information. In addition, since the number of parts can be reduced by integrally molding the jog dial 11 and the shaft 12 provided in the operation unit 10, it is possible to reduce the manufacturing cost. Moreover, the operation part 10 does not need to rotate. Moreover, one specific example of the action part according to the present invention is constituted by the light shielding rib described later.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2B, the pedestal portion 20 has a stopper portion 26 that restricts the movement of the lever portion 30.

  In particular, since the lever portion 30 supports the operation portion 10, it needs to be held at a certain position. Therefore, the lever part 30 is supported by the SW spring described later. Further, in order to enable a quick on-off operation in the pressing operation, it is preferable that the lever portion 30 has a mass as small as possible and strong. Therefore, it is preferable to select super engineering plastic for the lever portion 30 instead of metal. Similarly, it is preferable to select a super engineering plastic for the material of the shaft 12 as well.

  In particular, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 3, the pedestal portion 20 has a reference surface 25 that serves as a reference in the movement of the operation unit 10. Further, the operation unit 10 includes a spring receiving portion 13 below the reference surface 25 in the drawing along the pressing direction. A floating prevention spring 23 is disposed between the reference surface 25 and the spring receiving portion 13. A specific example of the second operation unit according to the present invention is configured by the spring receiving unit 13. In addition, a specific example of the first elastic body according to the present invention is configured by a floating prevention spring 23.

  As a result, based on the anti-floating spring 23 disposed between the reference surface 25 and the spring receiving portion 13, the operation portion 10 fixing the spring receiving portion 13 and the pedestal fixing the reference surface 25. The biasing force can be applied more accurately and appropriately in the direction in which the portion 20 is brought closer. In other words, the operation unit 10 and the pedestal unit 20 can be pulled together more appropriately.

  In detail, when the operation switch is placed vertically or used upside down, the detected stroke amount is reduced by the operation unit 10 being lifted or separated from the pedestal unit 20. It is possible to effectively prevent a slight increase in the feeling of touching.

  In particular, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the SW spring 24 is disposed between the tip portion of the lever portion 30 and the stopper portion 26 that engages with the tip portion of the lever portion 30. Has been. A specific example of the second elastic body according to the present invention is constituted by the SW spring 24.

  As a result, before the presence or absence of the pressing is detected based on the movement of the operating unit 10 caused by the pressing to the operating unit 10 from the outside, the light shielding rib of the lever unit 30 and the pedestal unit are relative to each other. It is possible to make the positional relationship constant based on the urging force of the second elastic body.

  As a result, it is possible to almost or completely eliminate the change in the detection amount (so-called detection stroke amount) for detecting the presence or absence of pressing in the detection means before being pressed to the operation unit from the outside. It is.

  Specifically, as described above, the floating prevention spring 23 is provided in the central portion of the shaft 12, and the operation unit 10 is always in close contact with the pedestal portion 20, and the floating prevention spring 23 always moves the lever portion 30 downward. When the force is applied, the lever portion 30 is lowered. In order to effectively prevent this lowered state, as described above, the SW spring 24 that lifts from the bottom to the top is mounted at the tip of the lever portion 30 so as to keep the position of the lever portion 30 constant. is there.

(1-2) Principle of operation
Next, the principle of operation of the optical operation switch according to the operation switch of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram schematically showing the operation principle of the optical operation switch according to the operation switch of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram (FIGS. 5A to 5C) conceptually showing one or another specific example of the operation principle of the optical operation switch according to the operation switch of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 4, for example, a person presses the operation unit 10 (i-1) downward in FIG. 4 or (i-2) releases the press, that is, the operation unit 10 The force point at which the lever portion 30 and the shaft 12 of the operation portion 10 contact each other moves up and down, and the light-shielding rib 34 provided near the tip of the lever portion 30 is (ii-1) It passes through the optical detection element 40 or (ii-2) shields the optical detection element 40. Accordingly, it is possible to control a switch for detecting on / off using, as input information, a change in the relative positional relationship between the operation unit 10 and the pedestal unit 20 due to pressing.

  Specifically, first, before the operation unit 10 is pressed, the light shielding rib provided near the tip of the lever unit 30 is in an off state in which the optical detection element 40 is shielded. Next, when the operation unit 10 is pressed in the lower direction in FIG. 4, the force point at which the lever unit 30 and the shaft 12 of the operation unit 10 abut moves in the lower direction. Next, the light shielding rib 34 provided on the lever portion 30 does not shield the front of the optical detection element 40 from the off state where the optical detection element 40 is shielded. Becomes an on state that can be reached. Accordingly, it is possible to control a switch for detecting on / off using, as input information, a change in the relative positional relationship between the operation unit and the pedestal unit due to pressing.

  Specifically, the movement amount in the action part and the action force in the action part can be set to predetermined appropriate values. That is, by utilizing the so-called lever principle, based on the distance between the fulcrum in the lever portion and the force point (force point distance) and the distance between the fulcrum and the action point (action point distance), The ratio with the amount of movement at the point of action can be determined. Alternatively, the ratio between the pressing force at the force point and the acting force at the action point can be determined based on the force point distance and the action point distance.

  More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, when the action point distance is longer than the power point distance, the movement amount at the action point is made longer than the movement amount at the power point. It is possible. Specifically, for example, when an operation switch in which the shaft included in the rotatable operation unit is movable in the axial direction with respect to the pedestal portion is considered, the detection means of the operation switch It has an optical element that reacts in synchronization with movement. Therefore, this operation switch can detect the movement of the shaft at a distance shorter than the detection amount (so-called detection stroke amount) for the reaction of the optical element.

  For example, when the action point distance is about five times the force point distance, the movement amount at the force point can be shortened to about 1/5 times the movement amount at the action point. As a result, by utilizing the lever principle in this way, it is possible to significantly reduce the amount of movement of the operation unit along the pressing direction. As a result, as a result, the operation sensitivity, that is, the operation sensitivity in the control of the switch for detecting on / off using the change in the relative positional relationship between the operation unit and the pedestal unit as input information due to the pressing is greatly improved. It is possible to realize more rapid and appropriate switch control by a person.

  Specifically, when an optical type photo interrupter is employed as the detection element, a movement amount of at least about 0.5 mm is required for the detection element to recognize ON and OFF. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4 described above, an optical-type photo interrupter is arranged near the tip of the lever portion 30 and the lever 12 is used so that the shaft 12 of the operation portion 10 and the lever portion are in contact with each other. The amount of movement at the point of contact can be increased to about 1/5. As a result, the stroke amount of the operation unit can be reduced to about 0.1 mm, so that the operational feeling can be improved.

  Further, when the action point distance is longer than the force point distance, the action force at the action point can be made smaller than the pressing force at the force point. For example, when the action point distance is about 5 times the force point distance, the action force at the action point can be reduced to about 1/5 times the pressing force at the force point. Therefore, the load applied to the SW spring 24 described above is balanced with the load applied to the force point by setting the load applied to the force point of the lever portion 30 to about 1/5 times the load applied to the lever portion 30 based on the lever principle. As a result, the elastic characteristics such as the elastic coefficient of the SW spring 24 can be reduced to a lower level than when the lever principle is not used. For example, a spring having a small diameter can be selected as the SW spring, and the space for storing the SW spring can be narrowed, and space saving in the operation switch can be realized.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5C, when the action point distance is made shorter than the power point distance, the movement amount at the action point can be made shorter than the movement amount at the power point. Further, when the action point distance is shorter than the power point distance, the action force at the action point can be made larger than the pressing force at the force point.

(2) Examination of effects of the embodiment according to the present invention Next, the effects of the embodiment according to the present invention will be examined with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram conceptually showing the operation principle of the optical operation switch according to the operation switch of the present invention (FIG. 6A), and the optical operation switch according to the comparative example. It is the schematic diagram (FIG.6 (b)) which showed the operation principle notionally.

  As shown in FIG. 6 (a), the operation switch according to this embodiment includes, as described above, (a) the operation unit 10 to which a pressure is applied from the outside, such as being pushed down by a person, and (b) The operation unit 10 includes, for example, a pedestal unit 20 that is connected by being engaged, (c) a lever unit 30, (d) an optical detection element 40, and (e).

  The lever portion 30 has a fulcrum 31 that comes into contact with the pedestal portion 20, and (ii-1) a fulcrum 31 and (ii-2) a force point 32 that comes into contact with the operation unit 10. (Iii) The action part 33a can be moved with the fulcrum 31 as a fulcrum.

  The optical detection element 40 detects the presence or absence of pressing based on the amount of movement of the action part 33a.

  Therefore, the movement amount in the action part 33a and the action force in the action part 33a can be set to predetermined appropriate values. Specifically, using the so-called lever principle, the distance between the fulcrum 31 and the force point 32 (power point distance) in the lever 30 and the distance between the fulcrum 31 and the action part 33a (action point distance) are set. Based on this, it is possible to determine the ratio between the amount of movement at the force point 32 and the amount of movement at the action portion 33a. Alternatively, the ratio between the pressing force at the force point 32 and the acting force at the action portion 33a can be determined based on the force point distance and the action point distance.

  More specifically, when the action point distance is longer than the power point distance, the movement amount in the action part 33 a can be made longer than the movement amount in the force point 32. Specifically, when the operation switch 1 in which the shaft 12 included in the rotatable operation unit 10 is movable in the axial direction with reference to the pedestal unit 20 is considered, the optical detection element 40 of the operation switch 1 is used. Has an optical element that reacts in synchronization with the movement of the shaft 12 of the operation unit 10. Therefore, this operation switch can detect the movement of the shaft 12 at a distance shorter than the detection amount (so-called detection stroke amount) for the reaction of the optical element. On the other hand, when the action point distance is shorter than the power point distance, the movement amount in the action part 33a can be made shorter than the movement amount in the force point 32.

  Alternatively, when the action point distance is longer than the power point distance, the action force at the action part 33 a can be made smaller than the pressing force at the force point 32. On the other hand, when the action point distance is shorter than the power point distance, the action force at the action part 33 a can be made larger than the pressing force at the force point 32.

  As shown in FIG. 6B, if the lever portion 30 is not present, the presence / absence of pressing based on the amount of movement of the operating unit 10 directly resulting from pressing to the operating unit 10 from the outside. Therefore, the scale of the movement amount of the operation unit 10 (so-called scale) and the scale of the detection amount (so-called detection stroke amount) for detecting the presence or absence of pressing in the optical or contact detection element 40a, for example. Are associated one-on-one. Therefore, for example, the amount of movement of the operation unit to which a pressing force such as pressing down is applied from the outside of a person or the like is a relatively small level, while the detected stroke amount in the detecting means is various physical characteristics such as mechanical characteristics. Corresponding to the characteristics, it is far from the requirement that a relatively large level is required. Alternatively, for example, the force applied to the detection member of the contact-type detection element 40a is, for example, the strength of the member, while the pressing force in the operation unit to which the pressing such as pressing down is applied from the outside such as a person is relatively large. This is far from the requirement that a relatively small level is required corresponding to the physical characteristics of

  On the other hand, according to the present embodiment, for example, via the fulcrum 31, the force point 32, and the action point in the rigid lever portion 30, the movement amount in the action portion 33a and the action force in the action portion 33a are obtained. By setting the value to a predetermined appropriate value, the presence or absence of the pressure is detected based on the amount of movement of the action portion 33a caused by the pressure on the operation unit 10 from the outside. Therefore, it is possible to associate the scale of the movement amount of the operation unit 10 with the scale of the detection stroke amount for detecting whether or not the optical detection element 40 is pressed at an appropriate ratio. Specifically, when the action point distance is about 5 times the force point distance, the movement amount at the force point 32 can be shortened to about 1/5 times the movement amount at the action part 33a. As a result, by utilizing the lever principle in this way, it is possible to significantly reduce the amount of movement of the operation unit 10 along the pressing direction. As a result, as a result, the operation sensitivity, that is, the operation sensitivity in the control of the switch for detecting on / off using the change in the relative positional relationship between the operation unit and the pedestal unit as input information due to the pressing is greatly improved. It is possible to realize more rapid and appropriate switch control by a person. Alternatively, when the action point distance is about 5 times the power point distance, the action force at the action part 33a can be reduced to about 1/5 times the pressing force at the force point 32.

  Further, in the present embodiment, for example, since a rigid lever portion is provided, even after the optical detection element 40 detects the presence of pressing, the lever portion 30 bends even if it receives further pressing force from the outside. Little or no. As a result, when a pressure is applied from the outside such as being pushed down by a person, for example, it is possible to realize a remarkable improvement in operational feeling that a person feels little or no deflection as a structural property of the switch. it can.

(3) Another Example According to the Present Invention Next, another example according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8.

(3-1) Other Examples (Part 1)
Next, another embodiment (part 1) according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 shows one and other schematic diagrams conceptually showing the operation principle in one and other specific examples of the contact-type operation switch according to the operation switch of the present invention (FIGS. 7A and 7). (B)).

  As shown in FIG. 7A, one specific example of the contact type operation switch according to the operation switch of the present invention includes a contact type detection element 40 b, and the pedestal unit 20 is used as a reference in the movement of the operation unit 10. And a reference surface 25. Further, the operation unit 10 includes a spring receiving portion 13 below the reference surface 25 in the drawing along the pressing direction. The floating prevention spring 23 is disposed between the reference surface 25 and the lower surface of the operation unit 10. A specific example of the first operation unit according to the present invention is constituted by the lower surface of the operation unit 10. One specific example of the first elastic body according to the present invention is constituted by a floating prevention spring 23.

  As a result, a biasing force is applied more accurately and appropriately in the direction in which the operation unit 10 and the pedestal unit 20 are brought closer to each other based on the anti-floating spring 23 disposed between the reference surface 25 and the spring receiving unit 13. It is possible. In other words, the operation unit 10 and the pedestal unit 20 can be pulled together more appropriately. Further, when the contact-type detection element 40b is used, a friction sound or a contact sound caused by contact or a feeling of friction or a feeling of contact (so-called click sound or click feeling) when a pressure is applied, for example, a person or the like It can be given to the outside world. Further, as a result, the detection element can detect the presence or absence of pressing while almost or completely eliminating the influence of ambient light from the periphery of the operation switch based on the contact between the contact portion and the action portion. . Furthermore, as a result, it is possible to reduce the component cost as compared with the optical detection element. Further, the above-described SW spring may be included in the contact detection element 40b. As a result, the number of parts can be reduced.

  A magnetic detection element may be used instead of the contact detection element 40b. As a result, based on the magnetic field, it is possible to detect the presence or absence of pressing while almost or completely eliminating the influence of ambient light from the periphery of the operation switch.

  As shown in FIG. 7B, in another specific example of the contact-type operation switch according to the operation switch of the present invention, the pedestal unit 20 has a reference surface 25 that serves as a reference in the movement of the operation unit 10. . Further, the operation unit 10 includes a spring receiving portion 13 below the reference surface 25 in the drawing along the pressing direction. A floating prevention spring 23 is disposed between the reference surface 25 and the spring receiving portion 13. A specific example of the second operation unit according to the present invention is configured by the spring receiving unit 13. A floating prevention spring 23 is disposed between the reference surface 25 and the spring receiving portion 13. A specific example of the first elastic body according to the present invention is constituted by a floating prevention spring 23.

  As a result, a biasing force is applied more accurately and appropriately in the direction in which the operation unit 10 and the pedestal unit 20 are brought closer to each other based on the anti-floating spring 23 disposed between the reference surface 25 and the spring receiving unit 13. It is possible. In other words, the operation unit 10 and the pedestal unit 20 can be pulled together more appropriately.

  In particular, the anti-floating spring 23 disposed between the reference surface 25 and the spring receiving portion 13 is provided on the operation portion 10 and the pedestal portion 20 so as to push the operation portion 10 downward from the reference surface 25. Giving power. Therefore, when the operation unit 10 is pressed from the outside, such as being pushed down by a person, the floating prevention spring 23 is deformed in the extending direction. In other words, the load applied to the floating prevention spring 23 is reduced. Therefore, when a person presses the operation unit 10, it is possible to experience a force that assists (assists) the pressing that is sucked. As a result, the operation sensitivity, that is, the operation sensitivity in the control of the switch that detects on / off using the change in the relative positional relationship between the operation unit and the pedestal unit as input information due to the pressing is greatly improved. Thus, it is possible to realize more rapid and appropriate switch control.

  As a result of the above, no pressure is applied to the operation unit 10 regardless of the direction in which the operation unit 10 and the pedestal unit 20 applied with the urging force in the approaching direction are arranged upside down, for example, upside down. If not, the operation unit 10 and the pedestal unit 20 are hardly or completely separated. In other words, the relative positional relationship between the operation unit 10 and the pedestal unit 20 hardly or completely changes due to other than pressing. As a result, the detection for detecting the presence or absence of the pressure in the optical detection element 40 when the presence or absence of the pressure is detected based on the movement of the operation unit 10 caused by the pressure on the operation unit 10 from the outside. The amount (so-called detected stroke amount) can be hardly or completely changed.

(3-2) Other Examples (Part 2)
Next, another embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Here, FIG. 8 is one and other schematic views conceptually showing the operation principle in one and other specific examples of the optical operation switch according to the operation switch of the present invention (FIGS. 8A and 8). (B)). In the other embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the same reference numerals are given to the components substantially similar to the components described in FIG. 6 and FIG. Omitted. The illustration of the optical detection element described above is omitted for convenience.

  As shown in FIG. 8A, in one specific example of the optical operation switch according to the operation switch of the present invention, the pedestal unit 20 has a reference surface 25 that serves as a reference in the movement of the operation unit 10. Further, the operation unit 10 includes a spring receiving portion 13 below the reference surface 25 in the drawing along the pressing direction. A floating prevention spring 23 is disposed between the reference surface 25 and the spring receiving portion 13. A specific example of the second operation unit according to the present invention is configured by the spring receiving unit 13. A floating prevention spring 23 is disposed between the reference surface 25 and the spring receiving portion 13. A specific example of the first elastic body according to the present invention is constituted by a floating prevention spring 23.

  As a result, a biasing force is applied more accurately and appropriately in the direction in which the operation unit 10 and the pedestal unit 20 are brought closer to each other based on the anti-floating spring 23 disposed between the reference surface 25 and the spring receiving unit 13. It is possible. In other words, the operation unit 10 and the pedestal unit 20 can be pulled together more appropriately.

  In particular, the anti-floating spring 23 disposed between the reference surface 25 and the spring receiving portion 13 is provided on the operation portion 10 and the pedestal portion 20 so as to push the operation portion 10 downward from the reference surface 25. Giving power. Accordingly, the lever portion 30 supports the operation portion 10 pushed downward. Therefore, it is possible to completely eliminate the space between the operation unit 10 and the lever unit 30. Further, when the operation unit 10 is pressed from the outside, for example, pushed down by a person, the floating prevention spring 23 is deformed in the extending direction. In other words, the load applied to the floating prevention spring 23 is reduced. Therefore, when a person presses the operation unit 10, it is possible to experience a force that assists (assists) the pressing that is sucked. As a result, the operation sensitivity, that is, the operation sensitivity in the control of the switch that detects on / off using the change in the relative positional relationship between the operation unit and the pedestal unit as input information due to the pressing is greatly improved. Thus, it is possible to realize more rapid and appropriate switch control.

  In particular, in another embodiment, the movement amount in the action portion 33a and the action force in the action portion 33a can be set to predetermined appropriate values. That is, based on the distance between the fulcrum 31 and the force point 32 (force point distance) and the distance between the fulcrum 31 and the action point 33 (action point distance) using the so-called lever principle, The ratio between the amount of movement at the force point 32 and the amount of movement at the action point 33 can be determined. Alternatively, the ratio between the pressing force at the force point 32 and the acting force at the action point 33 can be determined based on the force point distance and the action point distance. As a result, the elastic characteristics such as the elastic coefficient of the SW spring 24 can be reduced to a lower level than when the lever principle is not used. For example, a spring having a small diameter can be selected as the SW spring, and the space for storing the SW spring can be narrowed, and space saving in the operation switch can be realized.

  As a result of the above, no pressure is applied to the operation unit 10 regardless of the direction in which the operation unit 10 and the pedestal unit 20 applied with the urging force in the approaching direction are arranged upside down, for example, upside down. If not, the operation unit 10 and the pedestal unit 20 are hardly or completely separated. In other words, the relative positional relationship between the operation unit 10 and the pedestal unit 20 hardly or completely changes due to other than pressing. As a result, the detection for detecting the presence or absence of the pressure in the optical detection element 40 when the presence or absence of the pressure is detected based on the movement of the operation unit 10 caused by the pressure on the operation unit 10 from the outside. The amount (so-called detected stroke amount) can be hardly or completely changed.

  As shown in FIG. 8 (b), in another specific example of the contact-type operation switch according to the operation switch of the present invention, in substantially the same manner as in FIG. 8 (a) or FIG. 7 (b) described above, The pedestal unit 20 has a reference surface 25 that serves as a reference in the movement of the operation unit 10. Further, the operation unit 10 includes a spring receiving portion 13 below the reference surface 25 in the drawing along the pressing direction. A floating prevention spring 23 is disposed between the reference surface 25 and the spring receiving portion 13.

  As a result, in the same manner as in the specific example in FIG. 8A or FIG. 7B described above, the operation is performed based on the anti-floating spring 23 disposed between the reference surface 25 and the spring receiving portion 13. The biasing force can be applied more accurately and appropriately in the direction in which the portion 10 and the pedestal portion 20 are brought closer to each other. In other words, the operation unit 10 and the pedestal unit 20 can be pulled together more appropriately.

  In particular, the lever portion 30 a having an elastic force arranged so as to push up the shaft of the operation unit 10 applies a biasing force to the shaft of the operation unit 10. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate almost or completely the gap space between the operation unit 10 and the lever unit 30a.

  In the embodiment described above, an operation switch such as a jog dial having a detected stroke amount and capable of rotating operation has been described as an example of the operation switch. However, the present invention provides an operation panel including such an operation switch, The present invention may be applied to information equipment provided with such an operation switch.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be appropriately changed without departing from the gist or concept of the invention that can be read from the claims and the entire specification, and an operation switch accompanied by such a change is also possible. It is included in the technical scope of the present invention.

FIG. 1 is an overview perspective view (FIG. 1A) and a side view (FIG. 1B) showing a basic configuration of an optical operation switch according to the operation switch of the present invention. Sectional drawing including the central axis which showed the basic composition of the optical operation switch concerning the operation switch of the present invention (Drawing 2 (a)), the lever part which has in an optical operation switch, and an optical detection element FIG. 2B is an overview perspective view (FIG. 2B) centering on FIG. It is the side view which showed the basic composition of the optical operation switch which concerns on the operation switch of this invention. It is the schematic diagram which showed typically the operation principle of the optical operation switch which concerns on the operation switch of this invention. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram (FIGS. 5A to 5C) conceptually showing one or another specific example of the operation principle of the optical operation switch according to the operation switch of the present invention. The schematic diagram (FIG. 6 (a)) which showed notionally the operation principle of the optical operation switch which concerns on the operation switch of this invention, and notionally shows the operation principle of the optical operation switch which concerns on a comparative example. It is a schematic diagram (FIG. 6B). FIGS. 7A and 7B are conceptual diagrams (FIGS. 7A and 7B) conceptually showing an operation principle in one and other specific examples of the contact type operation switch according to the operation switch of the present invention. FIGS. 8A and 8B are conceptual diagrams (FIGS. 8A and 8B) conceptually showing an operation principle in one and other specific examples of the optical operation switch according to the operation switch of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Operation switch 10 Operation part 20 Base part 23 Floating prevention spring 24 SW spring 30 Lever part 31 Support point 32 Power point 33 Action point 33a Action part 34 Light-shielding rib 40 Optical detection element

Claims (14)

An operation switch that detects the presence or absence of the press based on a change in the relative positional relationship between the operation unit and the pedestal unit due to a press on the operation unit from the outside,
A first elastic body that applies a biasing force in a direction in which the operation section and the pedestal section are brought close to each other;
Detecting means for detecting the presence or absence of the press based on the movement of the operation unit;
Equipped with a,
(I) having a fulcrum part at a fulcrum that comes into contact with the pedestal part, and (ii-1) having an action part at an action point corresponding to the fulcrum and (ii-2) a force point coming into contact with the operation part. (Iii) further comprising a lever part that can move the action part with the fulcrum part as a fulcrum;
The operation switch, wherein the detecting means detects presence or absence of the press based on movement of the action portion corresponding to movement of the operation portion . The pedestal portion has a reference surface that serves as a reference in movement of the operation portion,
The operation unit has a first operation unit on the upstream side of the reference surface along the direction of pressing, and a second operation unit on the downstream side of the reference surface with respect to the direction of pressing. ,
The operation switch according to claim 1, wherein the first elastic body is disposed between the reference surface and the second operation unit. The detecting means detects the presence or absence of the press based on a relative positional relationship between an optical path of light corresponding to an optical method and the operation section or the action section capable of shielding the optical path. The operation switch according to claim 1 or 2 . The detection means detects (i) that there is no pressing when the optical path is shielded by the operation section or the action section, and (i) the operation section or the action section The operation switch according to claim 3 , wherein when the optical path is not shielded, the presence of the press is detected. The detection means detects presence or absence of the press based on a relative positional relationship between a magnetic field corresponding to a magnetic system and the operation unit or the action unit capable of shielding the magnetic field. Item 3. The operation switch according to Item 1 or 2 . The detection means detects the presence or absence of the press based on a relative positional relationship between a contact portion corresponding to a contact method and the operation portion or the action portion that can contact the contact portion. The operation switch according to claim 1 or 2 . The operation switch according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , further comprising a second elastic body that applies a biasing force between the operation unit or the action unit and the pedestal unit. The force point, the fulcrum and the operating switch according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that located between the point of action. The operation switch according to any one of claims 1 to 7 , wherein the action point is located between the fulcrum and the force point. (I) a power point distance indicating a distance between the fulcrum and the power point, the action point distance indicating a distance between the fulcrum and the action point (ii), according to claim 1, characterized in that the predetermined ratio The operation switch according to any one of 9 to 9 . The pedestal section, the operation switch according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that it comprises a stopper portion for limiting the movement of the working portion. The operation unit, the operation switch according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that it is rotatable about an axis. The operation part has a convex part in the pressing direction,
The lever portion, the operation switch according to claim 1, any one of 12, characterized by contact with the convex portion. The operation switch according to any one of claims 1 to 13 , wherein the lever portion is a rigid lever.